User Reviews

Well here is an interesting nugget of information from writer/director/actor Hugo Blick.

25 years ago most people spoke French in Rwanda. Now it is English. It seems the ongoing battle for colonialism underpinned the genocide.

The suicide of an old French soldier splatters blood on the map of Africa. It rams home the point.

Hugo Blick makes a rare acting appearance as devilish defence lawyer Blake Gaines. He previously played the young Joker in Batman (1989).

Gaines is defending alleged war criminal, Patrice Ganimana, who is discovered ill in hospital.

Black Earth Rising is still dense at times, but it played out like a chess game. Michael is hiding the seriousness of his illness but it is Kate who might be stepping up and punching above her weight.

This episode is heavy with dialogue. Which works better in plays than in film. There is one dramatic event but it happens to a minor character, so the impact on the story is moot.

Also this episode is an older man's fantasy. Out of the blue two major female characters develop the hots for John Goodman's character, Michael. Imho, there hasn't been enough lead up to these intrigues and it feels somewhat forced and out of character. Fortunately for the audience, Michael is infirmed and puts the kibosh on both potential romantic encounters.

During this episode, a few plot points are moved forward. However, there are very few scenes with any drive. The one exception is when Kate confronts lawyer, Blake Gaines. Who is deftly played by the screenwriter/director, Hugo Blick.

This episode was a let down from the last one. Hopefully the next episode will be more engaging.